Sunday, August 19, 2012

RNC in Tampa: What not to bring!

Well, as many of you know, Tampa is about to host the Republican National Convention. Obviously, there will be a lot of protest activity around the convention. There will be demonstrations, rallies, marches, you name it, it will probably be happening throughout the week of 08-27. What you aren't hearing a lot about is the list of prohibited items in what is being called the "event zone". Kind of long and confusing, but if you are planning on heading out to protest, you really should spend some time looking not only at the list, but the full ordinance for the RNC. It is important to think outside of the box when looking at the list. For instance, puppets (except for maybe sock puppets) would be prohibited because their parts may fit into several of the prohibited item categories. Want to wave the rainbow flag? Don't do so with a flagpole unless it is less than less than 2 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick. Basically, there isn't much you CAN bring other than yourself and signs (be sure if you have posts holding those signs up that they are "within" dimensions. I URGE anybody planning on protesting to pay close attention to this list so as not to give authorities a reason to badger you or arrest you.

Anything made of lumber, wood, or wood product unless it is 1/4 inch or less in thickness and 2 inches or less in width, or if not rectangular in shape, it shall not exceed 3/4 inch in its thickest dimension. If an item does not exceed these dimensions it is allowed only if the object is not filled with any material, liquid or gasand both ends of the length of lumber, wood, or other wood product are blunt and not pointed.

Anything made of metal, plastic, or any other hard material whether hollow or solid shall not exceed 3/4 inch thickness in its thickest dimension, and 1/8 inch in wall thickness. If an item does not exceed these dimensions it is allowed only if the object is not filled with any material, liquid or gas
and both ends of the length of lumber, wood, or other wood product are blunt and not pointed.

Aerosol cans.

The following items, defined as weapons: air rifle, air pistol, paintball rifle, explosive, blasting cap(s), switchblade, hatchet, ax, slingshot, BB gun, pellet gun, wrist shot, slung shot, blackjack, metal knuckles, nun chucks, mace, iron buckle, ax handle, chain, crowbar, hammer, shovel or any club or bludgeon or any other instrumentality used or intended to be used to cause property or personal damage. (except for guns, if you have a carry permit, you can have guns -- yeah, that still makes no sense).

Any container or inflatable device filled with urine, fecal matter, blood or any other bodily fluid.

Any container filled with any liquid, solid or gas.

Any projectile launcher or other device which may be used for the purpose of launching, hurling, throwing or spraying any object, liquid material or other substance. The prohibited items shall include but are not limitedto, water guns, super soakers and water cannons.

Rope, chain, string, strapping wire, cable, string, line, tape, or any other material of a similar nature, having tensile strength greater than 30 pounds and length greater than 6 feet.

Locks including, without limitation, padlocks, bicycle locking devices, chain locks or similar devices, but not including: (i) an integral component of a conveyance or structure; (ii) locks when utilized by the owner of private real property to secure permanent or temporary fencing; or (iii) locks attached to a bicycle.

Material designed, intended or readily adaptable for use as a portable shield but not including, common umbrellas made primarily of fabric or soft vinyl without metal tips or other potentially hazardous modification.

Any gas mask or similar device designed to filter all air breathed by the wearer in an attempt to protect the respiratory tract and/or face against irritating or noxious gasses or other materials. This prohibition on gas masks shall not apply to any person wearing a medical oxygen mask that fits over the nose and mouth of the person and oxygen from an oxygen tank to the person.

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to wear any mask, or device whereby any portion of the face is hidden, concealed or covered as to conceaI the identity of the wearer in the Event Zone. The following persons are exempt from this prohibition:(A) Governmental employees in the performance of their official duties; and(B) Any person in the Public Viewing Area; and(C) Any person parading in a parade in the Official Parade Route.

It shall be unlawful for any person to throw, project, hurl or launch any object with the intent to cause intimidation, apprehension, injury, harm or damage to any person or property.

It shall be unlawful for any person to set, light, or use any fire, bonfire, campfire, or fire pit on public property without a permit, or on private property without written consent from property owner.

The list goes on to name other things which are pretty much normally against the law such as blocking public right of way on sidewalks, streets, repelling down buildings, performing a "sleeping dragin", public urination and defecation, camping in public places, and so on.